Ellen Page and Catherine Keener in "An American Crime"
courtesy of First Look
“Two Outstanding Actresses”

One of the most intense dramas you can see is the film “An American Crime” which debuts on DVD this week. The film which is based on a true story stars Ellen Page, Catherine Keener, James Franco and Bradley Whitford. They are all excellent but it is Page whose performance will linger with you for days to come.

The story takes place in 1965 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Sylvia Likens (Page) and her sister Jennie (Hayley McFarland) are left in the care of a complete stranger when their parents, who are carnival workers, go on the road. They are given over to single mother Gertie Baniszewski (Keener) who has several children of her own.

Once the two teen-age girls move into the house problems begin. The oldest Baniszewski girl, Paula (Ari Graynor) befriends Sylvia but later turns on her. She tells her mother Sylvia has been spreading lies about her. As her punishment Gertie whips Sylvia with a belt. From that day on things get worse and worse.

The movie does not linger on the punishment/torture inflicted on Sylvia but it is defined enough to make you flinch in anticipation of the next indignity to come. Sylvia keeps apologizing for these made up errors of hers but nothing seems to calm Gertie down. She becomes obsessed with punishing Sylvia.

Ellen Page is amazing as the abused and maligned Sylvia. Her pain is seen in her physical responses as well as in the heartbreak in her eyes. It is not a hysterical performance but a controlled one which makes it even more effective. Based on her roles in “Juno,” “Smart People” and now this one, Ellen Page is fast building a reputation as the brightest and most talented young actress in Hollywood today. She is phenomenal!

Keener is another solid actress. She has been the queen of independent movies for some time but now is moving slowly into the mainstream. As Gertie she has an insane quality about her that is also shown in her eyes. You always feel Gertie is just one step away from being a raving lunatic. Keener keeps the madness tapped down for most of the film, and the struggle is a wonder to behold.

Whitford and Franco have small but important roles in the movie. Whitford is the prosecuting attorney against Gertie, and Franco plays her much younger boyfriend and father of her infant son. Evan Peters is more of a standout in the film as Ricky, a boy with a crush on Sylvia.

The situations described in the movie are most disturbing. Why would the Likens leave their two children with a stranger? Why is Gertie so determined to “punish” Sylvia? Why did Paula turn against Sylvia? And why did the neighborhood kids as well as Gertie’s children join in on Sylvia’s torture?

This is a dark episode in our country’s judicial history. Watching it play out makes for a fascinating but totally disturbing movie. Kudos to Page and Keener for their acting skills but their believability in the roles makes the movie even harder to watch.

If you are a fan of intense drama, and also want to watch two actresses at the top of their game then pick up the DVD of “An American Crime.”

Another film of high interest this week is “Redbelt.” Its main claim to fame is it was written by David Mamet who is a master of words and he uses them in his films to create characters and situations that are problems to be solved. “Redbelt” has the full Mamet flavor but not all the questions of plot and character are solved and issues are left pending for the viewer to answer in the future.

Mike Terry (Chiwetel Ejiofor) is a trainer at a Jiu-Jitsu School. He is a skilled fighter but prefers to train rather than compete. His students are devoted to him but the school is not bringing in much money. This constantly worries Terry’s wife Sondra (Alice Braga).

One night a woman (Emily Mortimer) rushes into the studio. She is obviously distraught and an incident ensues. This occurrence sets up a chain of events that ends in death and deceit. As the film progresses the viewer is caught up in a web of lies and schemes.

Ejiofor is perfect as the gentle but strong instructor. He is the moral center of the film and the character around which all action plays. Ejiofor provides the physicals strength as well as the moral tone. This actor grows more and more secure in his craft with each role he undertakes.

Alice Braga also makes an impression as the wife in the film. Sondra is loving and supportive of her husband but she still has an underlying need for success and fortune. Braga fills each of those facets of the character. 

Tim Allen is on screen for a short time as an action hero actor. It is an unlikely role for Allen but he does it competently. Rodrigo Santoro and Joe Mantegna are also seen briefly but effectively in the film.

The outstanding performance in the movie is by Mortimer. She plays a nervous, edgy attorney who stumbles into Mike’s life and stays. You can feel the itchiness in her skin and each tic and tremble is perfect for the role. It takes a while to understand the part but Mortimer brings all of the different aspects of the role to the forefront before the movie ends.

“Redbelt” seems like an incomplete movie because so many questions are left unanswered. It is not Mamet’s style to tie up all the loose ends. You have to work at earning the enjoyment of his stories. 

Still in “Redbelt” the mysteries of the story and the earnestness of the acting make for a good movie experience. It isn’t your typical style of moviemaking but it is an intriguing one. It will certainly hold your attention for the length of the film.

“One Tree Hill” is a TV series that has lasted for several years on television due to the loyalty of its fans. People who love this show LOVE IT! They don’t think any other series comes close to comparing to it. 

If you would like a taste of what this show has to offer then pick up the new DVD “One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season.” This is the season when the show jumped four years and found the cast out of college. When we left them at the end of Season Four they had just graduated high school.

Chad Michael Murray, Sophia Bush and Hilary Burton are still the stars of the show and their characters of Lucas, Brooke and Peyton are now involved in some more adult situations. But as always their lives are intense and involved.

All eighteen episodes of the season are on the DVD plus some unaired scenes, a gag reel, and other special features. For those of you familiar with the show, this is a dream come true DVD, and for others this is a chance to get caught up or plunge right in.

If you want to see what the fan mania is about then get the new DVD of “One Tree Hill: The Complete Fifth Season.”

One of Disney’s most beloved animated movies is “The Little Mermaid.” It was a huge box office success, gained more fans on DVD, and is now the basis for a Broadway musical. To meet the demand for more about Ariel, the little mermaid, Disney has created “The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.”

This DVD features the vocal talents of Jodi Benson, the original voice of Ariel. Samuel E Wright also returns as Sebastian the Crab. The movie has an interesting plot involving Ariel and her sisters and there is music and fun everywhere.

If you are a fan of the original then you can’t miss this exciting and magical prequel. The fact they brought Jodi Benson back is reason enough to buy it.

Hannah Montana & Miley Cyrus: Best of Both Worlds 3-D Concert” is another don’t miss DVD. Not only do you get both Miley Cyrus and her alter ego Hannah Montana on this DVD, you also get the Jonas Brothers.

Even if you saw this movie in theaters, on the DVD you get extra songs plus the full 3-D effect. It is awesome! So make sure you don’t miss out on this movie event now on DVD and better than ever.

In 1995 Oliver Stone’s movie “Nixon” was released in theaters. Now in time for the 2008 election frenzy it has been updated with interviews and other special features and sent out on DVD as “Nixon: The Election Year Edition.” 

Anthony Hopkins, Ed Harris, Joan Allen, James Woods and other excellent actors bring the story of this reviled President to the big screen. The movie itself is fascinating but the “extras” are even more so. You can see interviews with persons such as John Dean and Gore Vidal. For political junkies this is a must see DVD!

One of my favorite TV series is “The Shield.” This year is going to be its last so you will want to catch up with all the backstory by watching “The Shield: The Complete Sixth Season.” 

Michael Chiklis, CCH Pounder, Walter Googins and Cathy Dent head a terrifically talented cast. They tell the story of a rogue group of cops who do things by their own rules. It has slowly been catching up with them but not yet. Still the stage is set in “Season Six” for their downfall so watch it and be ready for the new episodes when they arrive.

This is TV drama at its very best. Don’t miss seeing the whole season plus “extras.” It is well worth your time and effort.
 

 

 

 

 

©2008 Jackie K. Cooper

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